The last time The Imps faced Saturday’s opponents Rochdale at Spotland was on Tuesday 17th September 2019. Jamie McCombe was in charge that night, following the departure of Danny and Nicky Cowley to Huddersfield Town. The attendance that night was 2,659, including 451 Imps’ supporters. Stephan Dooley gave the hosts the lead in the 13th minute when he pounced on a rebound after Vickers had saved an effort by Callum Camps. City pushed for the equaliser and in the 86th minute Harry Toffolo crossed and Tyler Walker glanced home to earn a well-deserved point.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, we have done a Q&A with a Rochdale supporter, so thank you to David for answering our questions.
You can discuss what has been said in this article HERE, as well as many other topics on 100% Imps. We have also published a Lincoln City v Rochdale Quiz, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
How long have you supported Rochdale?
My first season watching Dale was 1992/93 so not far off 30 years which makes me feel old.
Where did you finish last season?
19th I think thanks to the points per game thing. Tranmere were fuming.
What do you think of your Manager?
I like him. His style of play gets questioned sometimes but overall, I think Brian Barry-Murphy has done a good job with the budget he has.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.19: Brian Barry-Murphy (Rochdale)
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2020/21 season?
Hopes are to stay up; expectations are that we do not quite manage it.
One(s) to watch?
Stephen Humphrys, our big summer signing from Southend is some player. Been injured for the most part but has hit the ground running since coming back. Haydon Roberts on loan from Brighton is a fantastic young centre half as well.
Which teams you think will finish in the top six in League One?
Erm, in no particular order, Hull, Peterborough, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Charlton and Blackpool to sneak in there.
Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?
Us, Wigan, Shrewsbury and Burton.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Never had a bad word to say about you, even when you put seven past us years ago. That air raid siren is annoying though. Always enjoyed away days there.
What do you think the score will be?
Optimistically, which is rare for me, I will go 2-2.
Random fact about your Club?
We got to the final of the league cup in the ’60s but have never won a trophy.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?
That Jorge Grant has started well for you hasn’t he so I’ll say him, but I’ve always liked Harry Anderson too!
What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Rochdale
supporter?
Proudest was probably either getting to Wembley for the first time in the playoffs even though we got beat or the first promotion which we had waited nearly 40 years for. Taking Man Utd to pens last season in the League Cup was special as well especially as it was our 16-year-old right back to smash the equaliser in.
Who would you say is your most underrated player?
Underrated, erm, Jimmy Ryan maybe. Very good player but never seems to be the focal point in our midfield.
Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?
We do indeed, the DaleTrust, chaired by Col Cavanah. They play a vital role in being the bridge between the supporters and the directors which works very well. They also raise funds for various projects when needed.
Which was your favourite match involving Rochdale?
Beating Stockport 7-2 I think in terms of the overall match. The Darlington playoff match I mentioned is right up there, the Ben Muirhead winning penalty is my favourite moment watching Dale but the United game I also mentioned was also amazing.
Which was your least favourite match involving Rochdale?
Good question. We got smashed by Doncaster 5-0 in one of the worst performances I have ever witnessed a couple of years ago. Losing to Gillingham in the playoffs, the season after losing to Stockport at Wembley hurt as well because we should have gone up automatically that year and I thought it was never going to happen.
Do you have a Former Players Association at Rochdale?
Don’t think so, or at least not to my knowledge.
What is the best thing about Rochdale?
Empire bar in town!
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Rochdale Quiz below:
One Rochdale Supporter Talks To Vital Lincoln City:
Q&A HERE:https://t.co/VBEV6EHtol#RAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps pic.twitter.com/ge5Ku9bOQT
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) December 3, 2020
